Torch Run News

&lt;/body&gtCmdr. Scott Schubert Receives Ken Wagner Award

Chief Matthew Porter To Participate in the Final Leg

Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) is proud to have Chief Matthew Porter represent our state as a 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games Final Leg Torch Runner. The 2017 World Games will be held in Austria (Graz and Schladming) from March 14 - 25, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg will transpire from March 9 - 18. For more information about the Final Leg, visit http://www.letr-finalleg.org/page17/index.html.

About Chief Matthew Porter

Chief Matthew Porter has been involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for the last 6 years, just before Pittsburgh’s initial Polar Plunge Fundraiser. As his department’s team captain in the “Battle of the Badges” competition, he consistently lead his team to win as one of the top fundraising agencies. In the past six years, his team has raised over $285,000.00 for the athletes of Pennsylvania!

Chief Porter has been with the Port Authority Police Department for 23 years. Starting as a Patrolman, he has worked his way up through the ranks as Sergeant, Lieutenant and was promoted to Chief of Police in July of 2015.

Chief Porter has also served as a committee member for the Western Pennsylvania LETR and was an integral part in establishing the bylaws and structure to take the LETR movement state wide. He has taken a lead role in various fundraisers and awareness events. The highlights of his involvement with the LETR are the Medal Ceremonies, being a Guardian of the Flame of Hope, and the true friendships that he has made with the Special Olympics athletes.

Matt has been married to his wife Debbie for the last 12 years and they reside in the South Hills of Pittsburgh.

About the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg

Since 1993, law enforcement officers from around the world have participated in the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run prior to the Special Olympics World Summer and Winter Games. The tradition of the Final Leg Torch Run is for law enforcement officers representing their country, state and Torch Run Program, to act as “Guardians of the Flame” and carry the Special Olympics Torch and "Flame of Hope" to the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Games. This Torch Run event is called the Final Leg because it represents the culmination of Torch Run events that have occurred previously throughout the World. The Torch Run Final Leg is not only a salute to the athletes from around the World who will compete in the Special Olympics World Summer Games, but also an honor for the participating law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes who comprise the Torch Run Final Leg Team.

SOPA Names Chief Mettin Assistant Statewide LETR Director

Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) has appointed David A. Mettin, Chief of Police for the Slate Belt Regional Police Department, to serve as its Assistant Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Director. The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is a year-round fundraising and awareness movement organized by law enforcement officers around the world. In 2012, it raised more than $42.6 million worldwide and is on pace to exceed $1.7 million in Pennsylvania in 2016. Chief Mettin previously served as the State Torch Run Director for four years before exploring other professional development opportunities. Under Chief Mettin’s leadership as the State Torch Run Director, participation grew from less than 20 members of law enforcement to over 300, and fundraising efforts increased from less than $100,000 a year to over $1 million annually. SOPA is glad to have him back as the Assistant State Torch Run Director working closely with our State Torch Run Director Scott Schubert, Assistant Chief of Operations for the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

Chief David A. Mettin graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Montgomery County Community College Police Academy in 1987. Shortly after, he joined the Chalfont Borough Police Department as a part-time police officer. In August of 1987, Chief Mettin joined the Doylestown Township Police Department and was promoted to Sergeant in 1995. While in Doylestown Township, he was named the Bucks County Police Association’s “Officer of the Year” as well as received numerous commendations for service. In 2002, Chief Mettin joined the Pennridge Regional Police Department in Bucks County where he served as the longest tenured Chief in the department’s history, leaving in September of 2014. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Temple University, a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration from St. Joseph’s University, and is a graduate of the 203rd Session of the FBI National Academy.

Chief David Mettin pictured above at left with Montgomery County athlete David Trott and State Torch Run Director Scott Schubert.

Chief Mettin has held a position with the Bucks County Emergency Services Training Center as a Training Coordinator, taught Physical Fitness at Temple University’s Police Academy, and has been an Act 180 in-service instructor. He is currently an adjunct instructor at the Bucks County Community College. Chief Mettin also created and presented “Motivational Techniques for Front Line Supervisors” and has taught “Futuristics in Law Enforcement” through the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Command Institute. He is a certified “Situational Leadership II” instructor.

Chief Mettin is a Past President of the Bucks County Chiefs of Police Association, Past President of the Southeast Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, has served as an Executive Board member of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, the Chairman of the PCPA Education and Training Committee, and the Commander of the Central Bucks Special Response Team’s Crime Scene Unit. He came to the Slate Belt area in September of 2014 to help consolidate the police departments of Pen Argyl Borough, Wind Gap Borough and Plainfield Township. Chief Mettin has served with the department as Chief of Police since the beginning of the department on April 1, 2015.

Big League Sports Supports Special Olympics

During a ceremony on the field at PNC Park, Citiparks BIG League Sports recently presented a check to Special Olympics PA representatives. With the support of Pittsburgh Police, BIG League Sports volunteers collected $2,655.15 in donations at the gate during this summer's championship games.

Citiparks Pittsburgh BIG League Sports is a cooperative effort between Citiparks, Pirates Charities and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The shared goal is to create comprehensive recreational programs that will provide increased quality athletic and education opportunities in Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Established in 1994, BIG League Sports now hosts a variety of programs that include baseball, softball, hockey, soccer and special programs for teams. BIG League has been called “the nation’s largest and most comprehensive inner city youth sports program."

Shop Your Heart Out with iMyne for Special Olympics

LETR and Special Olympics have teamed up with iMyne, a free, sustainable fundraising site, which donates on your behalf to Special Olympics every time you purchase from the sites you love. And the best part? You’ll earn cash back, too, simply by shopping.

With 100s of retailers like Target, REI, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sears, Galls, Home Depot, etc., shop with ease. And since your membership is free, it’s the easiest way to make a difference today and every time you shop online.

Please join us and shop with iMyne for Special Olympics by clicking on our program's link. Let’s shop our hearts out for our athletes who put their hearts into everything they do! Together, we can do this.